Ultra-processed foods, like packaged snacks and hot dogs, aren't very healthy and can cause health problems.
It's clear that you should stay away from them most of the time, but where are the food policies that could help that?
A new study shows that there aren't enough food policies in the U.S.
More about the study
A study found that the United States doesn't have many rules or policies to help people avoid these foods, unlike countries like Belgium, Brazil, and Israel.
The study also showed that looking at just the nutrients in food isn't enough to understand how healthy it is.
How much food is processed also matters.
Ultra-processed foods often have artificial ingredients and additives that can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues.
In the U.S., there aren't many rules specifically about ultra-processed foods.
Some policies try to promote healthy eating for kids and make sure schools don't have too many of these foods.
But only one policy in Massachusetts actually defines what ultra-processed foods are.
Why it's important
The study suggests that the U.S. should think more about these foods in policies, especially in schools, and consider the evidence that links ultra-processed foods to health problems.
It's important to have better rules to help people make healthier food choices.
